Erica recommends "The Blade Itself"

Marcus Sakey has written a street-smart, striking debut novel. Danny Carter is a former criminal, who fled a crime scene when a robbery went horribly awry. His partner, Evan, took the fall and never squealed on Danny. Seven years have passed since then - Danny has a legitimate job, a serious girlfriend, and a squeaky-clean life. Evan has just been released from prison, and is convinced Danny owes him. He wants Danny in on one last job - a complicated kidnapping of Danny's boss's son, and he won't take no for an answer. As Evan becomes more violent, Danny becomes desperate for a way out. The struggles in this book of life, friendship, and forgiveness play out in a fast-paced plot on the streets of Chicago. Recommended for adults.